Source for good meter leads
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
Source for good meter leads
Does anyone have a good source for meter leads -- both banana and tip jack?
Last time I bought a pair at Sears, and they were OK, but nothing special.
Appreciate any thoughts/experiences.
Thanks,
hj
Last time I bought a pair at Sears, and they were OK, but nothing special.
Appreciate any thoughts/experiences.
Thanks,
hj
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
I know my local W.W. Grainger has a wall display that includes all kinds of Fluke branded leads, thermocouples, etc...
They also have Wavetek and whatever their house brand is ATM.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/ecatalog/N-1z0dvdh
They also have Wavetek and whatever their house brand is ATM.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/ecatalog/N-1z0dvdh
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I swallowed big time and bought Fluke set #TLK282 for automotive use---its been a great investment so far: TLK282 SureGrip. This is the best price I"ve found recently: http://www.ebay.com/itm/FLUKE-SureGrip-Deluxe-Automotive-Test-Lead-Kit-TLK282-/161140585540?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item2584ba3444&vxp=mtr
This set is compatible with two other DVM's I own, both Greenlee but similar features but with what's now the standard connectors for test leads.
They're a bit pricey but since I'm the only one handling my test gear its not a problem. I do keep a cheap meter and equally cheap test leads to loan out.
HTH
This set is compatible with two other DVM's I own, both Greenlee but similar features but with what's now the standard connectors for test leads.
They're a bit pricey but since I'm the only one handling my test gear its not a problem. I do keep a cheap meter and equally cheap test leads to loan out.
HTH
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Man that's a chunk of money, but there is some real time saving stuff there. I like the auto piercing clips, saves stabbing yourself in the finger trying to get through insulation.
I do need to replace my leads as well, I think it may be a bad thing when the readings start changing as you wiggle the leads.
I do need to replace my leads as well, I think it may be a bad thing when the readings start changing as you wiggle the leads.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Oh yeah----I balked forever before finally just biting the bullet and springing for the Fluke stuff. Everything so far in that kit including the back stabbing pins have been useful.
One thing I've noticed is the probes are quite substantial, not prone to easily bending like the cheaper sets I've owned. They stay sharp over time, the bodies feel good in the hand and so far have been up to every task I've put them through.
Since I do some electrical and electronic work too they've been a good investment, one I should have made a long time ago. Even after a few years use they're still in great condition. Fact is I take better care of them than my various meters, none of which cost as much as the test lead set!
One thing I've noticed is the probes are quite substantial, not prone to easily bending like the cheaper sets I've owned. They stay sharp over time, the bodies feel good in the hand and so far have been up to every task I've put them through.
Since I do some electrical and electronic work too they've been a good investment, one I should have made a long time ago. Even after a few years use they're still in great condition. Fact is I take better care of them than my various meters, none of which cost as much as the test lead set!
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
Thanks for the comments.
I really don't need all of the stuff in that Fluke kit, but maybe I can find something at Grainger.
I worked in electronics for my whole work life, and I know the value of good leads, but I swear that they used to be a lot more reasonably priced.
My main meter is a Fluke that I've had for years and it's still rock solid. Surprisingly, I have one from HF that I got for 4 bucks, and it reads digit for digit with the Fluke. It's a lot more fragile and the leads were crap ( and the replacements not too much better), but it's accurate.
hj
I really don't need all of the stuff in that Fluke kit, but maybe I can find something at Grainger.
I worked in electronics for my whole work life, and I know the value of good leads, but I swear that they used to be a lot more reasonably priced.
My main meter is a Fluke that I've had for years and it's still rock solid. Surprisingly, I have one from HF that I got for 4 bucks, and it reads digit for digit with the Fluke. It's a lot more fragile and the leads were crap ( and the replacements not too much better), but it's accurate.
hj
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
McMaster-Carr carries Fluke and you can buy everything from stock replacement leads to kits with more stuff than the ebay one.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
Thanks Jared, I'll take a look.
I've heard that it's for efficiency, but their shipping policy does drive me a little nuts -- i.e. they apparently can't tell you the shipping charge. But, everybody swears by them, and they've been good the few times that I've used them.
Anyway, virtual reps to you and ardwrkn -- some day I'll be able to give real reps again
hj
I've heard that it's for efficiency, but their shipping policy does drive me a little nuts -- i.e. they apparently can't tell you the shipping charge. But, everybody swears by them, and they've been good the few times that I've used them.
Anyway, virtual reps to you and ardwrkn -- some day I'll be able to give real reps again
hj
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I've also be highly frustrated by McMaster-Carr's no-tell shipping policy for years. When placing an order I pretty much insist they commit to a final cost which they will do.
For things like this I tend to shop eBay or Amazon because the selection is generally good, shipping costs are known up front and for the most part prices are a bit more reasonable. The beauty of those sites is ability to compare many different aspects, select your best deal and hit the "buy it now" button.
The link I provided was for just one kit and certainly not meant to say that's the extent of what Fluke offers in test leads and attachment/probe accessories. Like any good company they'll supply any replacement or kit building part you want or need.
For things like this I tend to shop eBay or Amazon because the selection is generally good, shipping costs are known up front and for the most part prices are a bit more reasonable. The beauty of those sites is ability to compare many different aspects, select your best deal and hit the "buy it now" button.
The link I provided was for just one kit and certainly not meant to say that's the extent of what Fluke offers in test leads and attachment/probe accessories. Like any good company they'll supply any replacement or kit building part you want or need.
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